Besmirch May 2026

: We have William Shakespeare to thank for popularized use of "besmirch," a variation of the simpler "smirch," which also means to stain or soil. Synonyms : Sully , blacken, defile, slander, and smear. Antonyms : Honor, enhance, clean, and purify. Popular References Besmirch - CoolStuffInc.com

: To sully or tarnish a person's standing (e.g., "the scandal besmirched the politician's career"). besmirch

: Frequently used in literature to describe a loss of dignity or purity. Word Origins : We have William Shakespeare to thank for